Mass Appeal Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Mass Appeal" is delivered via an AVC encoded image with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Drawn from an older scan typical of many Universal catalog titles, the video holds certain limitations, including minor filtering that impairs fine details evident in facial expressions and costume textures. While exteriors seem limited, warmer interiors like churches and office scenes offer a more appreciable color warmth. Primary colors, such as Farley's green attire, exhibit better definition. However, deep blacks in the priest's uniforms pose challenges, obscuring some delineation and detail.

Shot on 35 mm film using Panavision Panaflex cameras with spherical lenses, this rendition of "Mass Appeal" hints at its DVD-era mastering lineage. On smaller screens, it maintains an acceptable visual quality. In contrast, larger displays unveil shortcomings, such as blurry optically printed opening titles with decreased contrast that do not fully resolve over the film's duration. The video bears visible noise reduction and edge sharpening application, occasionally manifesting as light rings along object edges. Despite an artificial grain effect mimicking noise, remnants like faint scratches permeate the image, not eradicated by noise reduction methods. While contrast and color reproduction hold up moderately, certain shots exhibit black level crush. Ultimately, this Blu-ray constitutes a modest upgrade from DVD formats, though screen size notably affects visibility of defects.

The 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track for the Blu-Ray of "Mass Appeal" delivers a serviceable performance, primarily focusing on dialogues and supporting music scores. The mix handles dialogue exchanges with clarity, ensuring each line is audible and easy to follow, though it could benefit from crisper enunciation in various scenes. Instrumental scoring, which prominently features louder brass sections, provides the necessary dramatic underpinning without overwhelming the dialogue or other sound elements.

Despite the lack of complexity in this audio mix, it fulfills its purpose effectively within the scope of the film's requirements. The mix maintains balance, ensuring that scoring never drowns out crucial dialogue. While some viewers might favor more robust audio detailing in modern films, particularly with the availability of technologies like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, the 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix remains faithful to the film's original auditory intent. Its straightforwardness ensures an authentic experience, staying true to the theatrical presentation of "Mass Appeal."

Overall, the audio track offers an adequate auditory experience that matches the thematic elements of "Mass Appeal." While it might not push technical boundaries or elevate home theater expectations to their highest potential, its simplicity works in favor of preserving the film's directorial and narrative intentions. This mix provides an engaging experience that complements the film’s dramatic narrative, allowing viewers to appreciate the finer subtleties of dialogue and musical accompaniment without distraction.

The Blu Ray extras for "Mass Appeal" present a mixed offering that might intrigue devoted fans while leaving others wanting more. A notable inclusion is the Theatrical Trailer, which, although listed under peculiar circumstances—as part of a block rather than individually accessible—adds a nostalgic touch for viewers. The selection of trailers is curious and serves as a unique touchstone for exploring the film's promotional history. However, the absence of more substantive behind-the-scenes content or cast interviews might have been a missed opportunity for deeper engagement with the film's themes and production nuances. In terms of presentation, the extras are encoded with clarity, making navigation seamless despite the initial confusion caused by the bundling of trailers into chapters.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: An interesting but grouped collection of trailers.

"Mass Appeal" is a 1984 cinematic triumph with perfect casting that sees Jack Lemmon masterfully embody Father Farley, an engagingly entertaining, old-school priest who balances his commitment to faith with an amiable, people-centric demeanor. Lemmon's performance invigorates the film, transporting it from its theatrical roots to the silver screen with authenticity. The adaptation, penned by Bill C. Davis, who wrote the original play, challenges viewers with its examination of faith, self-discovery, and ecclesiastical responsibilities.

The narrative unfolds as Father Farley is mandated to guide the spirited seminary student, Mark Dolson, played by Zeljko Ivanek. Dolson is tasked with bridging the gap between traditionalism and reform within the church's teachings. Farley, initially resistant to Dolson's unvarnished approach, embarks on a transformative journey that tests both their convictions. As Dolson grapples with his own unresolved issues and a past that challenges his acceptance in ecclesiastical circles, the film confronts larger societal themes about inclusion and authenticity.

Director Glenn Jordan's astute handling of the film ensures its fluidity, effectively transcending potentially static theatre settings. He successfully introduces diverse environments and character dynamics that enhance the narrative’s exploration of ideological divides. The plot intricately threads the tension between Farley's accommodating style and Dolson's zealous integrity, eventually knitting a compelling tapestry of shared growth and understanding. Building on rich thematic content and superb lead performances, "Mass Appeal" remains an exceptional examination of faith and personal evolution.

The Blu-ray release of "Mass Appeal" presents an underrated gem that has flown under the radar since its theatrical release. Despite the absence of a fresh scan or additional extras, the film's availability on Blu-ray is a notable occasion, given its universal themes and enduring relevance. The narrative is bolstered by standout performances, particularly those of Jack Lemmon and Zeljko Ivanek. Lemmon, embodying the role of Father Tim Farley, delivers a performance filled with complexity, capturing the internal turmoil of a complacent priest grappling with profound challenges. Lemmon's portrayal articulates the nuances of his character's journey with finesse, reflecting the screenplay's subtler explorations of church politics and personal conflict.

Zeljko Ivanek complements this with a compelling performance as Mark Dolson, whose character arc crafts a deeper narrative of personal conviction and passion for reform. Charles Durning lends a formidable presence as Father Burke, embodying the antagonist with a mix of paranoia and rigidity, emphasizing the generational and ideological divides at play. The film maintains a contemplative atmosphere under Glenn Jordan's direction, which eschews a loud critique of church politics in favor of introspective examination. This approach resonates well with the subdued yet potent performances delivered by the cast.

In conclusion, "Mass Appeal" on Blu-ray is an opportunity for cinema enthusiasts to engage with a film that remains both poignant and culturally significant. While the technical presentation lacks enhancements, the strength of performance and the timeless nature of its themes offer compelling reasons for both old fans and new audiences to revisit this overlooked work. Jack Lemmon, in particular, anchors the narrative with a performance that transcends the era, ensuring that "Mass Appeal" remains a relevant and thought-provoking cinematic experience.